Absolute rate constants for the hydroxyl radical reactions with ethane, furan, and thiophene at room temperature

Interests in the gas phase oxidation of heterocyclic organic compounds containing oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur have become increasingly evident due to the important roles that these compounds may play in combustion processes, atmospheric chemistry, and photochemical air pollution. The rate constants for the reactions of OH with furan (C4H4O) and thiophene (C4H4S) have been determined for the first time under pseudo‐first‐order conditions, using the discharge flow‐resonance fluorescence technique. The measured room temperature rate constants are (2.31±0.40)×10−13, (1.05±0.08)×10−10, and (4.77±0.63)×10−11 cm3/molecule−1 s−1 for ethane, furan, and thiophene, respectively. The results are discussed in terms of structural differences and probable reaction pathways.